Football
FOOTBALL - National 06 Feb, 2026
Islamabad (Sports News): Nimso and International Supply Company shook up the National Challenge Cup by punching their way to the quarter-finals with contrasting victories on Friday.Khan Research Laboratories also advanced with a victory, while Hayyan Khattak struck twice in a superb show to help Mamsons open their campaign with a come-from-behind victory over PAF.Mamsons beat PAF 2-1 (KMC Stadium): Hayyan stole the show with a superb brace to help Mamsons clinch all three points against PAF. PAF, coming off a victory against Navy in their opener, started strongly against Mamsons and took the lead in the 18th minute when Abdul Samad cut in from the left and arrowed a shot high into the net.Mamsons were playing their first game at the tournament and PAF had chances to further extend their lead, one shot notably coming off the crossbar. But Hayyan turned it around, first scoring the leveller in first-half injury time after running onto a through ball and slotting it in. He completed the comeback in the 77th, volleying in a rebound after his shot came off the bar.“I’m buzzing,” said the Pakistan international midfielder. “It was a big game for us. I visualised these goals … I saw these coming.” Mamsons’ victory sets up an enticing group decider against Navy on Sunday with all three teams still in the running for the quarters.KRL beat Hazara Coal Company 3-0 (KPT Stadium): KRL had opened with a feisty draw against defending champions Wapda, but showed their superiority against Hazara Coal with a routine victory.Adeel opened the scoring in the 30th minute with Asad making it 2-0 10 minutes later. Skipper Waqar Ehtisham completed the scoring in the 48th. The result means Wapda need only a draw against Hazara Coal Company in their last group game on Sunday to join KRL in the quarter-finals. International Supply Company beat Railway 1-0 (KMC Stadium): An evenly-contested match ended with the International Supply Company scoring from the spot five minutes from time to secure all three points and progress from the group. Railways were claiming a goal at the other end, which was ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper, but ended up conceding a penalty when Ali Imran felled Salman Umer in the box.Rizwan made no mistake from the spot to leave Railways, who drew their opener against Army, relying on the result on the final group match between International Supply Company and Army to see if they progress. “It was a tough game but we played well overall and are through,” player-of-the-match Owais said. “We would like to continue the same way in the next match.” Nimso beat PACA 2-0 (KPT Stadium): Nimso gained the upper hand against PACA with two goals in the space of five minutes in the first-half to push their opponents close to elimination. Nimso pressed PACA early on and got their reward in the 17th minute when Zulfiqar broke through to score.It was more misery for PACA five minutes later when Altaf Hussain curled in a free kick from the edge of the box. Mohammad Essa’s PACA, who drew with SA Gardens in the opener, tried to hit back in the second half but Nimso held on.It left the Chaman side needing a favourable result in the last group game between Nimso and SA Gardens on Sunday to stay alive. “It’s great to start of with a win and we will look to continue the same way in the next match and beyond,” player-of-the-match Zulfiqar said.
FOOTBALL - National 04 Feb, 2026
Islamabad (Sports News):Pakistan Air Force started their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Pakistan Navy thanks to Arsalan’s stoppage time goal while three other matches ended in draws as the National Challenge Cup kicked off across two venues in Karachi on Wednesday.The heavyweight clash between two-time defending champions WAPDA and Khan Research Laboratories ended in a goalless draw, while Pakistan Railways scored late to hold Pakistan Army to a 1-1 draw.SA Gardens also came from behind, scoring deep into injury time, to secure a point against PACA.PAF 1-0 Navy (KPT Stadium)The match was on an even keel until a long throw from the left resulted in an error by the goalkeeper and the ball fell kindly to Arsalan, who fired into the roof of the net two minutes into time added on.PAF next play Mamsons on Friday while Navy conclude group play against Mamsons on Sunday.Wapda 0-0 KRL (KMC Stadium)A feisty game saw both teams cancel each other out with chances few and far between. “Both teams were well-matched so a draw is a fair result,” said Wapda head coach Mohammad Habib.KRL are next in action on Friday against Hazara Coal, who play Wapda in the final group fixture on Sunday.Army 1-1 Railways (KPT Stadium):After a goalless first half, Army broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when Rafay broke free to put the ball in the back of the net.Railways grabbed the equaliser in the 88th minute when Mohammad Suleman when got to the end of a throughball by Mohammad Abdullah and ran through to score.“Our plan was to counterattack and it worked in the end,” said Railways head coach Nasir Ismail, whose side are next in action on Friday against International Supply Company.PACA 1-1 SA Gardens (KMC Stadium):SA Gardens scored in the third minute of injury time to secure a draw with Umar Javed tapping in from a low cross.PACA had opened the scoring in the seventh minute of time added on at the end of the first half through Sharef Khan.PACA play NIMSO next on Tuesday.
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 04 Feb, 2026
Islamabad (Sports Desk):More guests than ever before: The FIFA Museum celebrated a landmark year in 2025, welcoming a total of 430,594 visitors around the world with exhibitions in Zurich, Miami, New York, Asunción and Rabat. The cultural institution also reached a record 9,556,588 engagements globally with its digital content.Advancing its mission to celebrate and safeguard the rich heritage and culture of international football while engaging diverse audiences, the FIFA Museum marked a major highlight in 2025 with the creation of Unidad - The World’s Game in Miami’s Freedom Tower, the FIFA Museum’s new immersive and interactive exhibition in North America to celebrate the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™ and to leave a lasting legacy after the tournament.In Zurich, alongside a range of pop-up exhibitions, live screenings and events to bring fans and legends of the beautiful game together, the FIFA Museum unveiled “Innovation in Action”, a dynamic special exhibition exploring how technology is supporting football on and off the pitch. Following its successful run in Switzerland, the exhibition will travel to Science World in Vancouver in May 2026.During the final week of the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup™, the FIFA Museum curated The Legacy Tunnel in New York, offering fans an evocative journey through the new era of global club football at Michelob Ultra’s Pitchside Club. Meanwhile, in Rabat, Morocco, the pop-up exhibition Rising Stars: The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Legends celebrated the champions and emerging talents who have helped define the women’s game. As another milestone, the FIFA Museum marked FIFA’s 120th anniversary with a commemorative exhibition in Asunción, Paraguay, during the 75th FIFA Congress.The FIFA Museum’s new presenter-led video talk format The Away Game was also launched in 2025, connecting football and culture through inspiring panel discussions with legends such as Jürgen Klinsmann and Carli Lloyd, and has already surpassed 1.3 million views on YouTube.“2025 was another significant year for the FIFA Museum, as we took a big step forward in our internationalization and global business development,” said Marco Fazzone, Managing Director of the FIFA Museum. “We want to share the magic of football with fans everywhere in the world, and it’s wonderful to see that last year we did so more than ever before. Now, as we approach the FIFA Museum’s 10th anniversary in the year of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in the USA, Mexico and Canada, excitement is building. We look forward to connecting with many more football fans through our various exhibitions and events around the tournament.”
FOOTBALL - National 03 Feb, 2026
Islamabad (Sports News): The National Challenge Cup 2026 kicks off from Wednesday, February 4 with 12 teams taking part. The revival of domestic football had been top of the agenda for the Pakistan Football Federation under the leadership of President Syed Mohsen Gilani and the start of the tournament will give local players a chance to get some long-awaited action.The 12 teams have been divided into four groups of three each with the top two advancing to the quarter-finals. Navy, Pakistan Air Force and Mamsons are in Group ‘A’ while defending champions Wapda headline Group ‘B’ and are alongside KRL and Hazara Coal Company.Army, Railways and International Supply Company are in Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ is completed by SA Gardens, PACA and Nimso.“It is very important to have domestic competitions so young talent can thrive,” Pakistan national men’s football team head coach Nolberto Solano said during a press briefing on Tuesday.The head coach added that he hopes to find local players for the upcoming SAFF Under-20 Championship next month.PFF vice-president Hafiz Zakaullah said that there was a continuous demand for local tournaments.“This is an initiative of the PFF president Syed Mohsen Gilani to boost local football,” he said.Sindh Football Association president Azam Khan said the provincial body was looking to hold the event in a grand manner.“For a long time, nothing was happening but here we are and we hope that the revival of the Challenge Cup is the first step towards more domestic competitions.”
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 24 Jan, 2026
Islamabad (Sports News):The inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ is already redefining women’s club football and is set to continue that trend by introducing record-breaking prize money that firmly establishes the tournament among the premier competitions in the global game. The club that lifts the brand-new FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Trophy in 2026 will receive USD 2.3 million, while the runners-up will earn USD 1 million, setting a new benchmark for the sport.In addition to the prize money awarded to the finalists, the two sides that bow out in the semi-finals will each receive USD 200,000 in participation payments. Meanwhile, the two teams eliminated in Round 1 and Round 2 – OFC representatives Auckland United FC of New Zealand and AFC representatives Wuhan Chegu Jiangda WFC of China PR – will receive USD 100,000 each.“A total payout of close to USD 4 million distributed among the six participants based on their performance is a clear statement of the belief in women’s club football and the players, teams and competitions driving its continued rise,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström.“It reflects the global growth of the women’s game and FIFA’s commitment to making targeted, meaningful investments that strengthen women’s club football for the long term. Our focus is clear: to continue investing in, growing and elevating women’s club football at every level – ensuring that opportunity, visibility and value keep pace with the exceptional performances seen on the pitch.”The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026™ forms part of a broader strategy of investment and collaboration to strengthen women’s club football worldwide. Following the conclusion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, USD 11.3 million was paid out to 1,041 clubs around the world through the FIFA Club Benefits Programme.Those efforts have been complemented by the strengthening of the Women’s International Match Calendar through structural reforms and the launch of new elite club competitions, including the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup™, set to debut in 2028. The latter will introduce a range of groundbreaking measures from the outset – including training compensation, club solidarity mechanisms and minimum standards programmes – designed to raise club performance worldwide and support the long-term sustainability of the women’s club game.About the tournamentThe FIFA Women’s Champions Cup brings together the best club from every confederation for that calendar year to compete for the title of intercontinental club champions. The final phase of the maiden FIFA Women’s Champions Cup will take place in London on Wednesday, 28 January and Sunday, 1 February 2026.The two semi-finals are scheduled to take place at Brentford Stadium on Wednesday, 28 January. Supporters can look forward to two high-quality encounters, the first of which will see Concacaf champions Gotham FC (United States) battle it out against CONMEBOL champions SC Corinthians (Brazil) at 12:30 GMT (13:30 CET). This will be followed by UEFA Women’s Champions League holders Arsenal Women FC (England) locking horns with CAF Women’s Champions League titlists ASFAR (Morocco) at 18:00 GMT (19:00 CET).
FOOTBALL - Int News 23 Jan, 2026
Lahore (Press Release): Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani held a high-level meeting with Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, Natalie A. Baker, in a significant engagement aimed at strengthening cooperation through football and promoting Pakistan’s positive image on the global stage. During the meeting held at the Freedom 260 Liberty Bell Initiative, themed “Let Freedom Ring” launched by the US Mission in Pakistan, President Gilani shared the PFF’s renewed vision under the current leadership and outlined plans to work closely with the US Embassy in areas where sport, particularly football, can serve as a bridge between nations. He emphasised that football has the power not only to develop athletes but also to promote unity, youth engagement, and a progressive international image of Pakistan. During the meeting, President Gilani articulated a vision where the PFF and the US Embassy work in tandem to amplify Pakistan’s international profile. He briefed the Ambassador on the robust support the federation has received from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Sports, particularly regarding grassroots initiatives. Expanding on these efforts, Gilani remarked: "Our collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office is not merely about sport; it is a dedicated mission to empower the youth of Pakistan. By aligning our internal operational framework with global standards, we are preparing a generation that can represent the true, vibrant spirit of our nation on the world stage." Ambassador. Baker lauded the rapid institutional progress achieved under Mr. Gilani’s leadership over the past six months, noting the visible surge in fan engagement and government backing. The discussions culminated in a mutual pledge to prioritize three pillars of development: the advancement of women’s football, high-performance youth programs, and a massive promotional drive for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which the United States will co-host. Reflecting on the global significance of the tournament, President Gilani stated: "Pakistan is fully committed to supporting the United States in its journey toward a successful World Cup. This campaign is a golden opportunity to showcase a positive image of Pakistan through our shared passion for the game, and we intend to be a key partner in celebrating this global spectacle." Beyond the World Cup campaign, the PFF President emphasized that the federation is treating women’s football as a cornerstone of its modernization strategy. He expressed his gratitude to the Pakistani government for providing the necessary "administrative backbone" that has enabled such significant milestones in a remarkably short timeframe. As the meeting concluded, both leaders reaffirmed that this partnership transcends the pitch, serving as a powerful tool for cultural exchange and long-term institutional governance that will ensure Pakistani football never regresses into the stalemates of the past.
FOOTBALL - National 20 Jan, 2026
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD; The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has appointed seasoned administrator Mohammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) in order to fortify its administrative backbone and modernize the country’s football landscape.The appointment is being hailed by insiders as a landmark shift toward institutional governance. Khokhar, who formally assumed charge of PFF COO on Tuesday, is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in Pakistani football’s survival and subsequent revival.Khokhar’s elevation to the role of COO is backed by a formidable track record. As a former member of the FIFA Normalization Committee, he was a central architect in navigating the federation through a tumultuous decade-long crisis. His ability to steer the sport through administrative deadlock and international isolation earned him a reputation as a sophisticated crisis manager and a stabilizing force in the PFF’s most challenging hours.Beyond his domestic influence, Khokhar brings an invaluable layer of international prestige to the PFF. Highly respected by FIFA, the AFC, and other global footballing bodies, his presence is expected to serve as a bridge between Pakistan and the international football community. His mandate as COO involves more than just oversight; he is tasked with: Aligning the PFF’s internal operational framework with FIFA’s global best practices; leveraging his credibility to enhance Pakistan’s standing in global football circles and implementing long-term administrative strategies to ensure the sport never regresses into the stalemates of the past.With football in Pakistan entering a phase of renewed hope, Khokhar’s appointment signals the federation’s commitment to professionalism. By placing an experienced "Normalization" veteran at the helm of operations, the PFF aims to transform the sport’s infrastructure into a robust and world-class entity.
FOOTBALL - Int News 19 Jan, 2026
Islamabad (Sports News): FIFA has confirmed the full line-up of hosts and the composition of the groups for the FIFA Series 2026™, marking a significant milestone in the continued expansion of the initiative for men’s and women’s national teams.Following the announcement of the expanded format in November 2025, the FIFA Series 2026 will feature 48 national teams competing in 12 groups of four teams each during the international match window in March and April. With 48 participating teams – representing almost 25% of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations – nearly a quarter of the global football community will take part in the FIFA Series.Eleven FIFA Member Associations will host the series of events, with Rwanda hosting two groups, bringing the total number of groups to 12. The initiative will include nine men’s groups and three women’s groups, with all six FIFA confederations represented, underlining the truly global nature of the FIFA Series™.The confirmed hosts for the men’s groups are Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Rwanda and Uzbekistan. The women’s contests will take place in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand.Five men’s national teams participating in the FIFA Series 2026 – Australia, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, New Zealand and Uzbekistan – have also qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, further highlighting the competitive relevance of the initiative alongside its development objectives.The FIFA Series also continues to support holistic football development off the pitch. Hosting and Participating Member Associations benefit from hands-on experience in event delivery, operational planning, referee development and competition organisation, mirroring the conditions of major international tournaments and strengthening capacity across multiple functional areas.The FIFA Series 2026 remains fully aligned with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027, providing national teams with opportunities for cross-confederation competition without adding fixtures to the international match calendar, while promoting technical growth, organisational development and global exchange.MEN'S GROUPSAustralia (AFC)Australia (host)CameroonChina PRCuraçaoAzerbaijan (UEFA)Azerbaijan (host)OmanSierra LeoneSt LuciaIndonesia (AFC)BulgariaIndonesia (host)Solomon IslandsSt Kitts and NevisKazakhstan (UEFA)ComorosKazakhstan (host)KuwaitNamibiaNew Zealand (OFC)Cabo VerdeChileFinlandNew Zealand (host)Puerto Rico (Concacaf)American SamoaGuamPuerto Rico (host)US Virgin IslandsRwanda(CAF) – Group AEstoniaGrenadaKenyaRwanda (host)Rwanda (CAF) – Group BArubaLiechtensteinMacauTanzaniaUzbekistan (AFC)GabonTrinidad and TobagoUzbekistan (host)VenezuelaWOMEN'S GROUPSBrazil (CONMEBOL)Brazil (host)CanadaKorea RepublicZambiaCôte d’Ivoire (CAF)Côte d’Ivoire (host)MauritaniaPakistanTurks and Caicos IslandsThailand (AFC)Congo DRNepalOFC teamThailand (host)
FOOTBALL - National 18 Jan, 2026
Lahore (Sports News): A delegation of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), representing PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani, held a high-level meeting with the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, aimed at reviving and promoting football in Balochistan.The PFF delegation comprised Advisor to the PFF President Eyab Ahmed and Director Legal PFF Ali Akram. The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir, Provincial Minister for Sports Meena Majeed, and Inspector General of Police Balochistan Tahir Khan, highlighting the government’s collective interest in sports development.Discussions focused on the revival and long-term development of football across Balochistan, with particular emphasis on upgrading sports infrastructure and introducing structured youth education and development programmes. Both sides stressed the urgent need to create sustainable pathways for young talent, especially in underserved areas of the province.A key highlight of the meeting was the proposed implementation of FIFA’s “Football for Schools” programme and the establishment of FIFA Arena pitches. These initiatives are designed to strengthen grassroots football, encourage youth participation, and enhance talent identification through modern, community-based facilities.Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti reaffirmed the government of Balochistan’s full support for football and sports development in the province. He assured the PFF delegation that any challenges or administrative hurdles faced by the federation would be addressed on a priority basis, emphasizing that empowering youth through sports remains a core objective of the provincial government.The PFF delegation welcomed the Chief Minister’s commitment and endorsed his vision for sports-led youth empowerment. They reiterated the federation’s resolve to work closely with the government of Balochistan to ensure institutional strengthening, sustainable football development, and the long-term revival of the game in the province through coordinated planning and execution.
FOOTBALL - Int News 09 Jan, 2026
Lahore (PR): Pakistan football is set to enter a new chapter as the country’s U-16 men’s national team prepares to feature in a UEFA-sanctioned competition for the first time in history, with matches scheduled to be played in Kazakhstan from April 24 to 30.The landmark participation represents a significant milestone for Pakistan’s youth football programme and reflects the renewed international engagement and reform-driven vision of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). The development comes under the leadership of PFF President Syed Mohsen Gillani, whose tenure has focused on restoring Pakistan’s presence on the global football stage through structured planning, governance reforms, and increased international exposure for emerging talent.Officials within the PFF view the invitation to a UEFA competition as a major endorsement of Pakistan football’s credibility, particularly at the grassroots and youth levels. Competing against international opposition in a high-standard environment is expected to provide invaluable experience to young Pakistani players and accelerate their technical and tactical development. The initiative aligns with the PFF’s broader strategy to strengthen the national football pathway by offering consistent competitive opportunities beyond the regional level. By engaging with UEFA competitions and international federations, the PFF aims to bridge the development gap and prepare future national players for elite-level football. “This is not just a tournament appearance; it is a statement of intent,” a PFF official said, noting that the opportunity highlights Pakistan’s growing acceptance within the international football community after years of administrative challenges and isolation. The U-16 team’s participation is also being viewed as a symbol of renewed confidence in Pakistan football’s governance and direction, showing the Pakistan Football Federation and its leadership’s commitment to long-term planning, youth investment, and international collaboration. The PFF official added: "As Pakistan’s young footballers prepare to test their skills on a European platform, the historic tour is expected to inspire the next generation and reinforce the belief that Pakistan can steadily reclaim its place in global football through structured development and sustained international engagement."
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